Ka pai Tess - we loved hearing your music.
Sunday, 18 February 2018
Tess the Musician
Tess has completed her first project in Kohara - a drum set that she planned, created and painted before using it to create some beats! The different drums make a variety of sounds when Tess plays them and she has thought carefully about how to make them different sizes and with different noises.
Ka pai Tess - we loved hearing your music.
Ka pai Tess - we loved hearing your music.
The Chrysalis
It was very exciting the other day when we actually saw one of our caterpillars making it's chrysalis right before our eyes! As we watched we noticed a small green patch, which quickly spread before it completely covered the caterpillar up. Then we noticed that the caterpillar had shed it's skin as it had dropped onto the table below. Now we are waiting patiently for our butterflies to hatch - we have quite a few that have made their cocoons already.
Buddy Reading with He Tangata
Kohara had the opportunity to work with the children from He Tangata recently to do some buddy reading. We found out we had many connections with He Tangata as lots of the children have siblings in that room. The Kohara children loved being read to by their new friends - we look forward to continuing this throughout the term as it is a lovely way to develop relationships with the senior children and our Kohara children love knowing a few new faces in the playground and around the school.
Missy Comes to Visit
We had a special visitor in Kohara - Archie's new kitten Missy. Kohara enjoyed finding out about Missy and having a pat. She felt very smooth and she was very friendly. Thanks Archie for letting Mum bring Missy in!
Swimming Fun
Kohara have been enjoying using the pool especially on some of these hot days lately.
We have been focusing on pool safety - how to get in and out of the pool in different ways safely including getting out quickly in the case of an emergency.
We are also focusing on water confidence games as well as practising our swimming techniques.
We have been focusing on pool safety - how to get in and out of the pool in different ways safely including getting out quickly in the case of an emergency.
We are also focusing on water confidence games as well as practising our swimming techniques.
Lochie the Big Brother
Last Monday Lochie became a big brother!! He was so excited to share his news with Kohara and show us his photos of Bodhi. Lochie tells us that Bodhi loves cuddles with him and is very smiley. Lucky little Bodhi having such a kind and caring big brother to help look after him. We look forward to meeting Bodhi soon.
Week 4 (19-23 February)
Welcome to Week 4 :)
Whanau Picnic Dinner
Thank you to everyone who came along to our Rakaia River family picnic and swim. It was so awesome to see such a big turnout of families. We hope you enjoyed getting to catch up with new and familiar faces and making some connections with other Waimairi families. It was great weather for it!
Meet the Teacher Interviews
Meet the Teacher Interviews are coming up over the next few weeks. Details for logging in online to make a time were in the school newsletter. If you need help to make a time you can also do this through the school office. These 15 minute interviews are a chance to meet class teachers and share with us a little bit about your child - what their strengths are, the activities and sports they love, their friendships and peer groups, and to share any concerns or questions with us. We look forward to catching up with you then.
Swimming
Our class swimming days are Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Please send swimming gear on these days. On Mondays there is also an optional lunchtime swim for our Year 1 and 2 children if they wish.
School Drop Offs
The classrooms are open to the children from 8.30am onwards - before this time, children are not supervised by the teachers as we are often out of the classroom preparing for the school day or attending staff meetings. This is particularly important in the event of an emergency before this time.
Junior Swimming Sports
The junior classes have their Junior Swimming Sports Day on Wednesday 28th February. Each class will have a 45 minute scheduled time to share their class swimming activities with you. More information will be coming home soon with details for each class.
Sun Safety
Thank you to those children remembering to bring their school sunhats. Children are often outside throughout the day so it is really important that they have these in their bags each day. Sun screen is also freely available in the classroom for children to use at lunchtime.
Classroom Release Time
This Thursday Room 18 children have Mr Lukes for PE and Room 19 children have Mrs McHaffie for Art from 11-12.30pm.
PTA
This Tuesday 20 February we have our first PTA meeting for the year at 7.30pm in the school library. We love to see new faces, so you are most welcome to pop along and see what we are all about (visitors are welcome!) There is no pressure on members to take on big roles within the committee as many hands make light work and everyone contributes as much or as little as they'd like over the year. The main fundraiser for this term is our school fair on Saturday April 7.
Our lovely PTA also run the 4 Rivers Coffee Shop at school and the weekly hot dogs on Fridays. This is another great way to support the school - each coffee, hot chocolate, flavoured fluffy or hot dog directly supports resources for our wonderful children. Hot dogs can be ordered outside the hall before school on a Friday morning for $2.50 (gluten free option available on request) and the children collect their hot dog at lunchtime from the hall.
Library
Our class library day is Friday.
Kapa Haka
Our junior Kapa Haka is on Tuesday.
Reading
Last week the children will have started bringing home class reading books to share with you at home. These are kept in their reading folders for the week and we will collect them in the following week. Please encourage your child to put their reading folder in their tote tray before school each morning so they are ready for their reading group when called. Feel free to re-read the books from other days if your child would like to.
On Fridays the children will bring home their poetry folder with a new poem to share with you. Enjoy re-reading other poems from earlier weeks as well. Poetry folders need to be returned the following school day to the green boxes on top of the tote trays. On days when the children have Classroom Release Time sometimes our home reading is a new poem on these days instead of a reading book.
School library books and favourite books from home or the public libraries are also wonderful for home reading - whether it is you reading to your child or them reading to you.
Have a great week :)
Whanau Picnic Dinner
Thank you to everyone who came along to our Rakaia River family picnic and swim. It was so awesome to see such a big turnout of families. We hope you enjoyed getting to catch up with new and familiar faces and making some connections with other Waimairi families. It was great weather for it!
Meet the Teacher Interviews
Meet the Teacher Interviews are coming up over the next few weeks. Details for logging in online to make a time were in the school newsletter. If you need help to make a time you can also do this through the school office. These 15 minute interviews are a chance to meet class teachers and share with us a little bit about your child - what their strengths are, the activities and sports they love, their friendships and peer groups, and to share any concerns or questions with us. We look forward to catching up with you then.
Swimming
Our class swimming days are Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Please send swimming gear on these days. On Mondays there is also an optional lunchtime swim for our Year 1 and 2 children if they wish.
School Drop Offs
The classrooms are open to the children from 8.30am onwards - before this time, children are not supervised by the teachers as we are often out of the classroom preparing for the school day or attending staff meetings. This is particularly important in the event of an emergency before this time.
Junior Swimming Sports
The junior classes have their Junior Swimming Sports Day on Wednesday 28th February. Each class will have a 45 minute scheduled time to share their class swimming activities with you. More information will be coming home soon with details for each class.
Sun Safety
Thank you to those children remembering to bring their school sunhats. Children are often outside throughout the day so it is really important that they have these in their bags each day. Sun screen is also freely available in the classroom for children to use at lunchtime.
Classroom Release Time
This Thursday Room 18 children have Mr Lukes for PE and Room 19 children have Mrs McHaffie for Art from 11-12.30pm.
PTA
This Tuesday 20 February we have our first PTA meeting for the year at 7.30pm in the school library. We love to see new faces, so you are most welcome to pop along and see what we are all about (visitors are welcome!) There is no pressure on members to take on big roles within the committee as many hands make light work and everyone contributes as much or as little as they'd like over the year. The main fundraiser for this term is our school fair on Saturday April 7.
Our lovely PTA also run the 4 Rivers Coffee Shop at school and the weekly hot dogs on Fridays. This is another great way to support the school - each coffee, hot chocolate, flavoured fluffy or hot dog directly supports resources for our wonderful children. Hot dogs can be ordered outside the hall before school on a Friday morning for $2.50 (gluten free option available on request) and the children collect their hot dog at lunchtime from the hall.
Library
Our class library day is Friday.
Kapa Haka
Our junior Kapa Haka is on Tuesday.
Reading
Last week the children will have started bringing home class reading books to share with you at home. These are kept in their reading folders for the week and we will collect them in the following week. Please encourage your child to put their reading folder in their tote tray before school each morning so they are ready for their reading group when called. Feel free to re-read the books from other days if your child would like to.
On Fridays the children will bring home their poetry folder with a new poem to share with you. Enjoy re-reading other poems from earlier weeks as well. Poetry folders need to be returned the following school day to the green boxes on top of the tote trays. On days when the children have Classroom Release Time sometimes our home reading is a new poem on these days instead of a reading book.
School library books and favourite books from home or the public libraries are also wonderful for home reading - whether it is you reading to your child or them reading to you.
Have a great week :)
Elliot's Submarine
Elliot has just completed his submarine project and he has now written about it in his Book Blog. Your ready to start a new project now Elliot. We wonder what it will be?
Monty's Maui Fish Hook
Monty had a clear idea what his first project in Kohara was going to be. He planned what it would look like and what materials he would need. He painted it and then reflected on what he had made and what skills he had used and what he would do differently if he made a fishhook again. WOW is all we can say Monty!
Thursday, 15 February 2018
LAST CHANCE LAST CHANCE!
This weekend the Friendship List will be compiled. If you have sent back your Contact List form then please ignore this message but if you haven't and you would like to be on the Friendship List please contact us tomorrow and let us know so we can include your details.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
Wednesday, 14 February 2018
TOYS AT SCHOOL
We have asked the children not to bring toys to school. Toys often cause problems as others want to play with them. Please keep them at home and please ensure they are not in their school bags either.
Thanks for your help with this.
Thanks for your help with this.
Headlice
Headlice is doing the rounds of our class and a few others at the moment. Please check your child's hair and girls may wish to tie their hair back at school.
Monday, 12 February 2018
Week 3 (12-16 Feb)
Welcome to Week 3 :)
Swimming
Our Kohara swimming days are Monday, Tuesday and Friday. We are in the process of grouping the children for swimming tuition so please ensure children have swimming togs at school on these days.
All Kohara children also have the option of a lunchtime swim on Monday lunchtimes if they wish.
Whanau Picnic Dinner
We look forward to seeing you at our whanau picnic dinner on Thursday 15th February between 5.30pm and 7pm. We will meet on the back field for dinner - bring whatever your family would like to eat. The pool will be open afterwards for the children to have a swim.
Library
Our class library day is Friday. Please return library bags/books to our yellow containers in the middle of Kohara.
Fruit Break
In Kohara we do not have a set fruit break during the morning. You might like to talk with your child about having their fruit as part of their morning tea and we will encourage this at our end as well.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is freely available in the classroom for children to use during the day. Please remind your child that they can get sunscreen to put on at lunchtime when they go to eat their lunch. We do try and remind them on very hot days but they are welcome to help themselves as needed (or if we forget!)
Sunhats
All children must have a school sunhat to wear at school every day. These are kept on bag hooks outside or in their school bags. Please check these are well named.
Kapa Haka
Kapa Haka starts this Tuesday after lunch for our juniors.
Reading
Our instructional reading groups begin this week. Please check that children have their reading folders in their tote trays every morning - encourage your child to get in the routine of putting it in their own tote tray in the morning before school. Your child will usually have a reading book or a poem to read most nights.
The children are able to keep their books for the week in their reading folders so you can enjoy them over the week. We will collect them in during the following week. There is no reading log to sign - just enjoy reading together or listening to your child read.
Reading Book Returns
From next week we would love some parents to help out on our reading book returns roster. This is on the noticeboard just outside Kohara. This job can be done at any time that suits you (before pick up or just after drop off etc)and involves sorting the books into the right colour groups (the colours are on the back of the book) and then returning them to the right containers back in the book room beside Room 21. We are happy to show you the ropes if you need. If you can help out, please add your name to a week on the roster.
Maths
Kohara are learning about Statistics in Maths at the moment. We have found out that this is a great way to find out information. We have already found out about Kohara birthdays, our favourite ice cream and our eye colours. Check out our wonderful bar graph displays in Kohara next time you pop in.
At home you might like to do some statistics of your own - you could group your favourite toys or hot wheel cars. How many different ways could you group them? Which groups have the most/least in them?
Have a great week :)
Swimming
Our Kohara swimming days are Monday, Tuesday and Friday. We are in the process of grouping the children for swimming tuition so please ensure children have swimming togs at school on these days.
All Kohara children also have the option of a lunchtime swim on Monday lunchtimes if they wish.
Whanau Picnic Dinner
We look forward to seeing you at our whanau picnic dinner on Thursday 15th February between 5.30pm and 7pm. We will meet on the back field for dinner - bring whatever your family would like to eat. The pool will be open afterwards for the children to have a swim.
Library
Our class library day is Friday. Please return library bags/books to our yellow containers in the middle of Kohara.
Fruit Break
In Kohara we do not have a set fruit break during the morning. You might like to talk with your child about having their fruit as part of their morning tea and we will encourage this at our end as well.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is freely available in the classroom for children to use during the day. Please remind your child that they can get sunscreen to put on at lunchtime when they go to eat their lunch. We do try and remind them on very hot days but they are welcome to help themselves as needed (or if we forget!)
Sunhats
All children must have a school sunhat to wear at school every day. These are kept on bag hooks outside or in their school bags. Please check these are well named.
Kapa Haka
Kapa Haka starts this Tuesday after lunch for our juniors.
Reading
Our instructional reading groups begin this week. Please check that children have their reading folders in their tote trays every morning - encourage your child to get in the routine of putting it in their own tote tray in the morning before school. Your child will usually have a reading book or a poem to read most nights.
The children are able to keep their books for the week in their reading folders so you can enjoy them over the week. We will collect them in during the following week. There is no reading log to sign - just enjoy reading together or listening to your child read.
Reading Book Returns
From next week we would love some parents to help out on our reading book returns roster. This is on the noticeboard just outside Kohara. This job can be done at any time that suits you (before pick up or just after drop off etc)and involves sorting the books into the right colour groups (the colours are on the back of the book) and then returning them to the right containers back in the book room beside Room 21. We are happy to show you the ropes if you need. If you can help out, please add your name to a week on the roster.
Maths
Kohara are learning about Statistics in Maths at the moment. We have found out that this is a great way to find out information. We have already found out about Kohara birthdays, our favourite ice cream and our eye colours. Check out our wonderful bar graph displays in Kohara next time you pop in.
At home you might like to do some statistics of your own - you could group your favourite toys or hot wheel cars. How many different ways could you group them? Which groups have the most/least in them?
Have a great week :)
Saturday, 10 February 2018
Waimairi Whanau Hui
The Waimairi Whānau Hui is on Friday 23 February at 5.30pm. All families are welcome! The group meet every term to discuss te reo Māori, Kapa Haka, Matariki, our annual Hangi and other relevant school events. Anyone who is interested is welcome to come along.
The first Hui for this year will be mainly a social event. There will be a quick kōrero around upcoming events. If it is fine, we will open the pool and have a picnic dinner by the pool. So bring your kai and togs! If it is wet, we will meet and eat in the library.
If you have any queries please feel free to contact Miss Katie Lord in Whanaketanga (Room 7 & 8).
Thursday, 8 February 2018
Under the Sea with Bella and Luca
What great detail Bella and Luca have added into their picture. It definitely wasn't a sunny day at the beach. Look at those clouds and the ferocious ocean. It's good to see that the whale got some dinner though!!
Sullivan, James and Fletcher's shape train
Sullivan, James and Fletcher used the shape box to create a shape train. There was lots of maths thinking and talking and we think this creation shows quality, detail and sequence. Great effort boys!
Whanau Picnic Dinner
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Rakaia River picnic dinner on Thursday 15th February. As some families also have siblings attending the He Tangata BBQ we have decided to all have dinner together out on the field instead of by the hall courts.
The pool will be open after dinner if the children (Rakaia River classes) wish to have a swim, and their will be sports gear available for them as well. Feel free to mix and mingle with our community, have a chat with teachers and enjoy getting to know some new faces.
5.30-7pm.
See you then.
The pool will be open after dinner if the children (Rakaia River classes) wish to have a swim, and their will be sports gear available for them as well. Feel free to mix and mingle with our community, have a chat with teachers and enjoy getting to know some new faces.
5.30-7pm.
See you then.
Library Day Friday
Please send back any library books to be returned tomorrow.
Room 18 children will be at CRT with Mr Lukes so they might not get to the library to get new books out but we will return any books brought back to school.
Room 18 children will be at CRT with Mr Lukes so they might not get to the library to get new books out but we will return any books brought back to school.
Sunday, 4 February 2018
Week 2 (5-9 Feb)
Welcome to Week 2 :)
If you've found us on the blog - yay! Welcome aboard the Kohara blog. This is our main source of all news and information for Kohara each week as well as a place to share work and successes of the Kohara children. To save you time logging in each time, just simply enter your email address to the right where it says 'follow by email' and you will receive all updates by email each time something is posted. Everything published in a day gets emailed automatically first thing the next morning but in the event of a cancellation for an event - you will need to log in on the day to check as often cancellations are only put up on the day (so will be old news by the time you get the email the following day!)
Feel free to leave the children positive comments on their work over the year. All comments are moderated before they appear live on the blog so you won't see your comment appear straight away but once moderated it will then be visible.The children in Kohara are always excited when they get messages from home - you can even get the wider whanau involved too.
Swimming
Our swimming days this week are Monday and Friday. Please send togs along on these days.
Public Holiday
School is closed on Tuesday for Waitangi Day.
Classroom Release Time
On Monday this week the children on the Room 19 roll will have Mrs McHaffie for Art between
11-12.30pm. The children on the Room 18 roll will have Mr Lukes for PE on Friday between
11-12.30pm. We will let the children know on Monday which class group they will be in for CRT.
Library
Our class library day is Friday. Please return all library books from last year in a named library bag to our class library containers (two yellow containers) in the middle space of Kohara.
Sunhats
Term 1 is a sunhat term which means all children are expected to have a named navy blue sunhat at school every day. Please encourage your child to bring theirs daily - these are kept in their school bags during the day or can be hung on their bag hooks.
Parent Notice
Last week we sent all children home with a newsletter outlining some important bits and pieces about life in Kohara. Please return the contact list by Monday 5 February.
Meet the Teacher Interviews
These will be coming up later in February for those families who are new to Kohara. Keep an eye out in the school newsletters for more information over the next few weeks.
Stationery
Thanks to those who have sent stationery along to school. If you've misplaced your stationery list that was sent home at the end of last year, just let us know and we can print you out a new one.
PTA
Our PTA have a wonderful Facebook page called Waimairi School PTA. This is a fabulous place to check out what the PTA are up to and the events and fundraising initiatives they get behind during the year. The main event for this year is the school fair which is happening on Saturday 7 April.
If you've always wanted to join the PTA, you are most welcome to pop along to our first meeting for the year on Tuesday 20 February at 7.30pm in the school library. You'll find a few friendly Kohara faces there - Jen (Mylo's mum), Catherine (Sarah's mum), Sarah (Monty's mum) and Mrs O. We'd love to see you there.
Have a great week.
If you've found us on the blog - yay! Welcome aboard the Kohara blog. This is our main source of all news and information for Kohara each week as well as a place to share work and successes of the Kohara children. To save you time logging in each time, just simply enter your email address to the right where it says 'follow by email' and you will receive all updates by email each time something is posted. Everything published in a day gets emailed automatically first thing the next morning but in the event of a cancellation for an event - you will need to log in on the day to check as often cancellations are only put up on the day (so will be old news by the time you get the email the following day!)
Feel free to leave the children positive comments on their work over the year. All comments are moderated before they appear live on the blog so you won't see your comment appear straight away but once moderated it will then be visible.The children in Kohara are always excited when they get messages from home - you can even get the wider whanau involved too.
Swimming
Our swimming days this week are Monday and Friday. Please send togs along on these days.
Public Holiday
School is closed on Tuesday for Waitangi Day.
Classroom Release Time
On Monday this week the children on the Room 19 roll will have Mrs McHaffie for Art between
11-12.30pm. The children on the Room 18 roll will have Mr Lukes for PE on Friday between
11-12.30pm. We will let the children know on Monday which class group they will be in for CRT.
Library
Our class library day is Friday. Please return all library books from last year in a named library bag to our class library containers (two yellow containers) in the middle space of Kohara.
Sunhats
Term 1 is a sunhat term which means all children are expected to have a named navy blue sunhat at school every day. Please encourage your child to bring theirs daily - these are kept in their school bags during the day or can be hung on their bag hooks.
Parent Notice
Last week we sent all children home with a newsletter outlining some important bits and pieces about life in Kohara. Please return the contact list by Monday 5 February.
Meet the Teacher Interviews
These will be coming up later in February for those families who are new to Kohara. Keep an eye out in the school newsletters for more information over the next few weeks.
Stationery
Thanks to those who have sent stationery along to school. If you've misplaced your stationery list that was sent home at the end of last year, just let us know and we can print you out a new one.
PTA
Our PTA have a wonderful Facebook page called Waimairi School PTA. This is a fabulous place to check out what the PTA are up to and the events and fundraising initiatives they get behind during the year. The main event for this year is the school fair which is happening on Saturday 7 April.
If you've always wanted to join the PTA, you are most welcome to pop along to our first meeting for the year on Tuesday 20 February at 7.30pm in the school library. You'll find a few friendly Kohara faces there - Jen (Mylo's mum), Catherine (Sarah's mum), Sarah (Monty's mum) and Mrs O. We'd love to see you there.
Have a great week.
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